Four in 10 American adults are family caregivers. They provide for the needs of parents, spouses, children with disabilities, and siblings. It’s a labor of love that takes a toll physically, emotionally, financially. Who cares for the caregivers? How do they care for themselves?
We explore these questions and more through the lives of three caregiving families.
Listen to the companion stories from our collaboration with NPR
James and Judy Lee believe their son’s disability has brought them closer together. Born with cerebral palsy, Justin is now 16 and requires round-the-clock care. Despite the physical and emotional strain, they wouldn’t change him, even if they could.
Rick Rayburn’s wife, Marianne, was a beloved schoolteacher and loving mother. But her dementia and a brain infection have changed their retirement plans. Rick is now a 24/7 caregiver. That doesn’t leave him enough time to take care of himself.
Loretta Jackson’s house is full of family. Besides her husband, daughter and granddaughter, she provides care for her sister Shirlene, who had a stroke and father, Theodis, who was diagnosed with dementia. She relies on faith to pull her through.
Winner of national Gabriel Award for best radio documentary and PRNDI Award for nationally edited series
Music by Cathleen Flynn, with Connor Flynn, Dave Molloy, Francesco Riva and Victor Meier.
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May 14, 2014
When people think about caregivers, they tend to think about those who care for older adults.
May 8, 2014
In the lead up to Capital Public Radio's latest documentary "Who Cares," Insight is focusing on different aspects of caregiving. Today, we speak with a regional director of the Alzheimer’s Association to talk about support groups.
May 7, 2014
Men aren’t necessarily prepared to be caregivers. That’s the lesson Coy Cross learned when his first wife was badly injured in a car accident and he attempted to take care of her, their family and their business all alone.
May 5, 2014
Capital Public Radio’s documentary unit The View From Here explores these questions and more through the lives of three caregiving families in its latest documentary “Who Cares.”
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